(Reuters) - Swede Rikard Karlberg launched his title defense in impressive style at the Italian Open on Thursday, eagling his final hole to seize a one-shot lead over home favorite Francesco Molinari in the weather-hit opening round.
Karlberg fired a sparkling seven-under-par 64 at Golf Club Milano in Monza where almost five hours of scheduled play was wiped out by torrential rain and the threat of lightning.
More than half the field did not finish the opening round, including Masters champion Danny Willett of England and Germany's Martin Kaymer who will both represent Europe at this month's Ryder Cup, and 17 players were yet to start.